Sign-up time for trek into Hakalau forest
Advertiser Staff
HILO, Hawai'i — Oct. 15 is the deadline to make reservations for the annual open house at the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, home to rare birds and some of the finest stands of koa-'ohi'a forest within the state.
Advertiser library photo • 1996
The Oct. 18 open house is being held in conjunction with National Wildlife Refuge Week.
The 'i'iwi, or Hawaiian honeycreeper, is among the birds found in the Hakalau refuge on the Big Island.
The Big Island refuge comprises 32,730 acres of native forest and grassland on the windward slopes of Mauna Kea, between the 2,500- and 6,500-foot elevation. Visitors will be allowed to hike through the Pua 'Akala Tract, which harbors a high-elevation rainforest and birds such as 'i'iwi , 'elepaio, the Hawai'i creeper and the Hawai'i 'akepa.
A 110-year-old koa cabin also will be open for viewing.
Visitors can meet refuge staff and tour leaders at the Pua 'Akala Barn anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a briefing on refuge management strategies and a description of the plants and animals protected within the refuge. Rainforest hikes of varying lengths will be led by biologists and staff familiar with native flora and fauna.
Tours of the refuge greenhouse also will be offered and visitors can learn about the forest restoration program, cultural resource protection, weed-control projects and the University of Hawai'i's field station.
Participants must arrange their own transportation to the refuge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required.
Refuge Manager Dick Wass said the trip is not recommended for young children and others who may not be comfortable with the long, rough ride, the rugged terrain and unimproved facilities.
Visitors should come prepared for wet, chilly weather and bring their own lunch, water, binoculars and rain gear.
Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the refuge office in Hilo at (808) 933-6915.
